What are the UIL heat and WBGT rules for practice?
UIL requires schools to follow heat-stress guidelines, monitor conditions (WBGT is the recommended measure), provide unlimited water and rest breaks, and follow a heat acclimatization period at the start of the season. When conditions reach high WBGT thresholds, practices must be modified or canceled.
UIL directs schools to protect athletes from heat illness using research-based guidelines. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is the recommended way to measure heat stress because it accounts for temperature, humidity, sun, and wind — not just the air temperature.
Core expectations
- Acclimatization: ease athletes into full activity over the first days of the season (limited equipment and practice length early on).
- Hydration & rest: provide unlimited access to water and scheduled rest breaks.
- Modify by conditions: as WBGT rises, shorten practice, increase breaks, remove equipment, and cancel when thresholds are exceeded.
- Emergency plan: have a venue-specific emergency action plan and cold-water immersion capability for exertional heat stroke.
Follow your region's WBGT threshold chart and your school's emergency action plan. Heat policy is a safety and liability issue, so document your monitoring.
Official sources
Related questions
What is WBGT and why does UIL recommend it?
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature combines heat, humidity, sun, and wind into one reading, making it a far better measure of heat stress on athletes than air temperature alone.
Does UIL require a heat acclimatization period?
UIL directs schools to follow acclimatization guidelines that gradually increase activity, equipment, and practice length during the first days of the season.
When must practice be canceled for heat?
When WBGT exceeds the high-risk thresholds on the recommended chart. Below that, practices must be modified with extra breaks, less equipment, and shorter duration.
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